A to Z Search

Air quality management areas introduced in Ampthill and Sandy

Date Added: 24/08/2015

Central Bedfordshire Council is taking action to reduce predicted raised pollution levels in parts of Ampthill and Sandy.
The council’s regular air quality monitoring across the region showed that levels of nitrogen dioxide in Ampthill town centre and on the outskirts of Sandy will exceed national guidelines if action is not taken.

Air quality management areas have now been declared covering parts of Bedford Street, Church Street, Woburn Street and Dunstable Street in Ampthill, and along the A1 from the Georgetown exit to Bedford Road in Sandy.

This will allow the council to develop action plans in an attempt to reduce pollution levels. The action plans will be developed in liaison with other agencies and stakeholders and will then go out to public consultation before the final plans are introduced.

Councillor Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Community Services, said: “We regularly monitor air quality levels across Central Bedfordshire and compare them to national averages, and it is rare to have any cause for concern.

“However, our predictions are that nitrogen dioxide levels the two areas will exceed national guidelines which is why we are acting now to help reduce them before there are any problems.

“We have already consulted residents before creating the air quality management areas and we will be seeking public feedback on our action plans too before they come into force.”

The air quality management zones will remain in place until the raised levels of nitrogen dioxide, caused by traffic congestion, are reduced.